title: Microdialysis in the neurocritical care unit.
abstract: Effective monitoring is critical for neurologically compromised patients, and several techniques are available. One of these tools, cerebral microdialysis (MD), was designed to detect derangements in cerebral metabolism. Although this monitoring device began as a research instrument, favorable results and utility have broadened its clinical applications. Combined with other brain monitoring techniques, MD can be used to estimate cerebral vulnerability, to assess tissue outcome, and possibly to prevent secondary ischemic injury by guiding therapy. This article reviews the literature regarding the past, present, and future uses of MD along with its advantages and disadvantages in the intensive care unit setting.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, Lois Pope LIFE Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, 1095 Northwest 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136, USA.
authors.forename: Ryan
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kitagawa
authors.forename: Shoji
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Yokobori
authors.forename: Anna T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Mazzeo
authors.forename: Ross
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bullock
mesh_terms: D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D002560:Cerebrovascular Circulation / Q000502:physiology*; D003422:Critical Care / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D017551:Microdialysis / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D016896:Treatment Outcome